Not sure Chieftain how thick the ice was as different trout lakes vary. Most trout lakes I have fished this season are 20 to 24 inches. Some of the bigger lakes have 18 inches. By next month we will be at 3 feet as usual. Our walleye lakes have more as they cool down quicker.

trappintime wrote:

Heck of a fish Wolf. How deep is the lake and how far down were the fish?

Not sure the total depth of the lake but 140 seems to ring a bell. Don't know the exact spot they fished. Thermal cline is around 20 to 40 feet which is good fishing. But hitting bottom can also produce lunkers as well. Each lake is different and one has to experiment at certain levels.

remrogers wrote:

That would make a lot of fish sticks.

corrected , fish steaks...lol

This week has been terrible cold with -30 to 35 plus wind. Another 3 to 4 days and it will end, then will hit the lakes for more trout. So far my biggest trout this year has been 15 lbs but many are in the 6 to 8 lb range. My plan was to smoke tomorrow but temps and wind are not to my old bones liking. Sunday will be warmer. Anyhow those two lads have something to talk about plus I heard some bubbly caps coming off. Next week another crew is coming up and know doubt they will have fun too.

Not sure swamp if they had to chip extra ice to get it out. Most times when we fish for trout we use the 10" auger other wise I will use my 8". You can pull a big trout up through a 10" hole. Also a gaff comes in handy when doing so. Have already lost one gaff this year on a jack fish

TT just looking at the weather pattern across the country. Sure do hope you are taking in some of that nice weather from Calgary and Medicine Hat. We have arctic trough zipping through here. Couple more days then some good not to cold weather.

Know what your talking about Headed that way in mid April to visit eldest son. 10 days in Ottawa and 4 in Toronto. Me and cities don't get along. Wife just loves it but for me will be torture. Just have to grin and bear it.